Predicted Newcastle United Line-up To Face Leicester City In The Premier League
Newcastle United will be hoping to put an end to their six-game winless run, when they welcome Leicester City to the St. James’ Park on Saturday.
The Magpies haven’t registered a single win since their 1-0 triumph over Crystal Palace more than a month ago in October and come into the game on the back of a 3-1 defeat at the hands of reigning champions Chelsea this past weekend. That loss left Rafael Benitez’s side at 15th place in the Premier League table with 15 points from 15 games.
The manager will be hoping to turn things around with a win when the Foxes visit them this weekend.
Team News
Club captain Jamaal Lascelles is fit again and is back in training but might not be risked for the weekend’s encounter. Same is the case with winger Christian Atsu and left-back Paul Dummett, both of whom have returned to training following their injury layoffs.
Here’s how the Tynesiders might take the field on Saturday at home:
Manager: Rafael Benitez
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Having tried a three-man backline against Chelsea this past weekend, Rafa might look to switch back to his tried and tested 4-2-3-1 setup on Saturday.
Karl Darlow (GK)
The 27-year old Englishman has been preferred to Rob Elliot in the past couple of games by the manager. Should start between the sticks once again.
DeAndre Yedlin (RB)
The former Tottenham Hotspur youngster did not start against Chelsea last weekend but could come into the line-up in place of Javi Manquillo.
Florian Lejeune (CB)
In the heart of the defence, summer signing Florian Lejeune is expected to continue against the Foxes. Will have a tough task going up against Jamie Vardy.
Ciaran Clark (CB)
Partnering the Frenchman at the back should be Ciaran Clark. The Irishman is a permanent fixture in the line-up for Newcastle and that is not likely to change.
Chancel Mbemba (LB)
With Paul Dummett still not yet ready for action, Benitez might once again call upon Chancel Mbemba to do the job against Riyad Mahrez at left-back.
Jonjo Shelvey (CM)
The England midfielder, despite his disciplinary problems, remains Newcastle’s best midfielder and should start this game ahead of the likes of Mo Diame.
Mikel Merino (CM)
Occupying the second spot in the midfield for the home game against Leicester will be summer arrival, Mikel Merino.
Matt Ritchie (RW)
The Scottish winger’s slight dip in form has been one of the main reasons for Newcastle’s recent poor run. Will be keen on bouncing back with a starring display on Saturday.
Ayoze Perez (CAM)
Through the middle, Spaniard Ayoze Perez should once again start for the Magpies. Just has one goal and one assist from 14 league outings and needs to better those returns.
Jacob Murphy (LW)
The former Norwich City man has shown decent signs of form in the recent run of games that he has been afforded. Should retain his place on the left flank.
Dwight Gayle (ST)
The Englishman has scored twice in his last two appearances – against Manchester United and Chelsea. Should definitely be given the starting berth ahead of Joselu.